“Mago” tradition
Magoism is a new word to the modern Western vocabulary, yet it has its linguistic roots in many parts of the globe and in an ancient knowledge and know-how almost lost. Dr Helen Hwang determinedly and methodically is excavating the little-understood historical Mother-Goddess knowledge of Korea, and its traditions, the Mago, and Magoism, and in doing so is unlocking another previously invisible door, and replacing another ripped-off corner of the global map of significant, almost-lost tradition and forgotten knowledge. This is a most welcomed prospect. The newness of this discovery for those who learn of it fills them with excitement because every step to remember the ancient ways, particularly the lost Goddess ways, and those ways that hint of Source, are crucial to humanity remembering itself.
Moderns have become accustomed to modes of mind that strip the soul and psyche of finer attunement to earth, sea, stars and each other. This renders most adrift on a sea of seeming limitless freedoms, to be picked up by any technological hook that would substitute for inner knowing. The map becomes the new computer wiring, insurance policy or bank regulation to follow. But once we scrape from our psyches the encrustation of mind most moderns have settled with (which calcifies the innate senses and finer antennae of knowing, emboldening technologically driven modes of mind and being to take their place), then we are on our way to a vivifying recollection.
Here is an earlier presentation of the “mago” root word in “imago” or image. Not coincidentally, perhaps, it is connected to maps.
(Mary Ann Ghaffurian, culled from Through a Darkened Door—Light, Part 2 by Mary Ann Ghaffurian PhD [http://magoism.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/through-a-darkened-door-light-part-2-by-mary-ann-ghaffurian-phd/])
A very special online, global group
Dearest X,
…Which brings to mind the “other” reason why I wanted to write to you … Other than just saying “hello” and letting you know that you are very much missed, I also wanted to share with you about a very special online, global group that I have had the honor of being a part of. This group is called Mago Circle and it was founded by my dear friend, “sister” and colleague, Helen Hwang. Helen’s work and commitment to restoring Mago, Ancestral Mother Goddess, to her rightful place as progenitor and creatrix of the Korean people, has not only been admirable but truly critical during a time when we are in real need for inspiration from thought leaders and scholars with a solid foundation in the arts and research of the sacred feminine. As you know, with the roots of Korean shamanism in the realm of women, it makes perfect sense that Korean spirituality must also have sprung within the womb of Woman … the great cosmic goddess, Mago. While Helen’s work is very much grounded in meticulous research — showcasing Korea to the rest of the world in all of Her depth, herstory, and vibrance — it is more importantly, founded in genuine intentions of love, transparency, and humility. I know that Helen can explain the depth, breadth, and height of her work much better than me so I think it will be better to have her directly share more of herself with you; what I simply hope to do through this letter is perhaps help serve as a familiar hand …. reaching out to you and letting you know that your presence and blessings as a well-regarded and much-admired Korean female shaman and scholar would be much appreciated in Mago Circle.
Do you remember, X, … you once told me … about 20 years ago: “Sanity is insanity with a focus.” These words I still remember and hold true … they have helped me through times that were truly dismal and chaotic in my life, and with this reassuring and transformational way of looking at myself, looking at my life, looking at the world, I have made it through. My life continues to have its share of insanity, but I know that with focus, all sanity is restored. I know that my letter to you today may feel unexpected and random (especially after not having seen each other for so, so long), but as you know, somehow, life brings us through twists and turns that may seem awkward and strange at first, but upon retrospect, all makes complete sense.
In closing, may I have the honor and pleasure of introducing Helen Hwang and the Mago Circle to you … I realize that you must be very busy, but it is my sincere hope that you will find a little time to acquaint yourself with Helen and this wonderful group of women (and men) who are very much dedicated to restoring the balance and peace of Korea and the world via Mago and her goddess sisters of many names…
(Wennifer Lin, culled from her letter to her old friend)
I share your call for staying connected
with each other at a time of cultural and religious tensions. I too believe that all tensions arise from a patriarchal system of hegemony or domination. In the absence of patriarchal hegemony, there would be little or no tension among human beings. The belief in the Mother Goddess would remove the necessity for aggression and hence domination of other human beings or animals. In the eyes of the Mother, every living being is her creature. Hence love, kindness, nurturing and all that is beautiful would prevail everywhere. Am I sounding too idealistic or am I pining for a utopian society that is just not possible? But in theory, it is possible to return to the spirit of Mother, manifest in everything in nature and in our thoughts and actions. With admiration and preservation of Mother we can change the world for a better place. So with this in mind, I submit to all women (who are the living image of the Great Mother Goddess) and goddess lovers in the world to unite in our efforts to bring back the ideals of the Great Goddess.
As an academic, I have taught courses on the divine feminine, and have published my findings about her. In all my works I have argued for the uniqueness of the goddess in the East and the goddess in the West. Sadly, it took me some 40 years to realize that the female principle — regardless of her different manifestations — is one, no matter where and at what time we live. The Great Goddess transcends time and space; she is universal.
From my research I have always known that goddess is embodied in water and deep caverns of the earth. In many parts of India and Nepal the goddess, as the giver of life, is worshipped in a simple form of water and caverns. Two famous examples that come to mind are the temple of Kamakhya in Assam, India, and Guheswari temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, where the presence of goddess is felt through water holes—the perennial springs. In a recent study of Chauvet cave in France, datable to 32,000 years BCE, I have noticed that the deep cavern, the seat of the goddess, is located at the very end of the long cave (measuring more than 1300 feet) with a painting of mother goddess, indicating the place of the goddess. Although many images of the mother goddess have been found throughout prehistoric Europe (such as the Venus of Willendorf, the Venus of Galgenberg<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Galgenberg>,
the Venus of Brassempouy <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Brassempouy>, and the Venus of Laussel <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Laussel>)
the Chauvet cave indeed is significant because it is associated with cavern
and water. Although at present, the mysterious chamber of the Chauvet cave does not contain water, it might have contained water once, as it is the deepest part of the cave. With this, I have come to the conclusion that the goddess principle throughout the world is the same albeit her depiction differs from place to place throughout history because of local material and stylistic variation. Let the Great Goddess guide us all to the right path of world peace, kindness, understanding, love — leading us to the love of the Mother Earth. No living being, including plant life, can survive without her.
(Deepak Shimkhada)
Feminism spoken in a spiritual context
The Mago Circle to me has been a place where feminism is spoken in a spiritual context. So much of women’s oppression is enforced through religion, so I believe that the work we do with spiritual empowerment is very important. I am grateful to Helen Hwang, Rosemary Mattingley and Anne Wilkerson Allen for their dedication and good work. I hope that in the future the circle stays strong in devotion to the Goddess and remains deserving of Mago’s blessing.
Blessed be. Aho.
(Hearth Moon Rising)
Connectivity
has always been important to me. reMEMBERing my DIVINE FEMI9 has brought a move towards balance and acceptance. Mago Circle isn’t a group I always post in but I definitely review MOST of the post. Doesn’t mean I agree or disagree it means I accept. Love you Ms. Hwang and Blessed Ascension to all the SiStars known and UnKnown….PEACE
(Rick Williams)
Information, connectivity, support and inspiration
I like the information, connectivity, support, and inspiration that I get from Mago Circle. I’d like Mago Circle to continue in this vein and to evolve as it will. Helen, thank you so much for creating, administering, and moderating this circle.
(Debbie Willis)
I can talk here.
Things don’t get very deep but I do spend time on the info sent out, videos and articles etc. I do appreciate being able to connect with those who might appreciate my thoughts and I certainly appreciate the passionate involvement of all of you and I always look forward to reading all of you. So, I hope we can all continue… so thank you for your efforts…
I didn’t mean to say things weren’t deep. I guess it’s just this medium that is so fast and sometimes just a flash on things I could spend ages on! Do forgive me. Yes, there is depth of the core issues and that is what is important to all of us – to be able to keep the river flowing…
(Suzanne Santoro)
Learning environments of all our ancestors
(Danica Anderson)
Our heartfelt thanks to all Magoist contributors!
Happy New Year and Mago Blessings!
From the Co-editors
It is always heart-warming to hear from you, Donna! Your contribution and support is priceless as well. Someone took “Mago” for first name, that is new to me. Interesting and curious… Blessings to you too! Helen
Thank you for the gift of your wisdom and knowledge, and your dedication to making the world a better place through the recognition and concentration of women and their energy. Your work is new to me, but the idea of Mago as goddess is not. Here in the El Paso/Juárez area, the great artist, Mago Gandara, took the name for herself decades ago, with full awareness of its significance on a universal level. Her life is an art form and a lesson. Blessings on you all.